The Witch Who Builds Her Own Ladder

Hey witches,

I thought I’d share some practical magic, and this time by magic, I mean how to navigate the DMV. One thing I believe in is sharing your knowledge and helping everyone achieve their goals. My day job deals with DMVs across the country and I thought I’d share of my more practical knowledge to help you figure out. We should all be lifting each other up and this is a small way to do that as we get to know each other.

This is more of a practical post, but this blog is about conscious integration; mixing the practical with the whimsical. Before we go further, just know the DMV is not a magical place where everything makes sense, but there are a couple of universal truths you can use to make it slightly easier. I promise you that this plays into the larger scheme and before you know it, you’ll like like a bureaucratic witch to other people.

Something to keep in mind, is each DMV has their own rules, database, etc. Some states can be touching and have very different rules. For example, Kansas City is on the boarder of both Kansas and Missouri, which both have very different laws, DMV-wise. Kansas is a more relaxed state in the sense that they don’t need things to be notarized and documents can be copies — a very rare occurrence, they might be the only ones now that I’m thinking about it. Missouri is on the opposite side of the spectrum, with requiring pretty much every additional document to be notarized. You can imagine the headache it must be for people who have to deal with two different title-rules in the same place. It’s like this everywhere for the most part, locational rules and what DMV you’re going to be submitting paperwork to is going to matter.

This is one of the few rules that applies everywhere, but only the most recent title is the only active title. Like dollars, titles also have security lines and/or seals that you can see when you raise in the light. That’s how you can tell if one is legit or not. If you don’t know where the title is and apply for one, you’re now gonna have to wait for that new title before you can transfer ownership. If someone sells you a car but gives you an outdated title, you’re not going to be able to transfer ownership until you get that newest title. If you don’t have your title and you have to get a duplicate, then you have to get it in the last state the title was issued in.

Just because you buy a car from someone, if the paperwork isn’t transferrable, then you’re basically screwed until it is transferrable. They may have a title but if it’s not transferrable, the DMV is unfortunately not going to accept that change in ownership. Just because you have the car in your physical possession and a messed up title, doesn’t mean that you actually own it. You still have to go through the process with the DMV to get it transferred, sometimes requiring additional forms.

On that same note, don’t buy cars without titles. The state I’m in has a bond process, but not all states have those alternate options you can pursue to get a title. Also, if there’s a lien holder on the record and this process helps them discover their car, they can take it back. They’re the true owner, even if you bought it from someone. So you could have paid all this money for a car that you don’t end up getting a title for. Please don’t do that. Save yourself the headache when it comes to getting a car, even if it feels like it’s more upfront.

If a tow truck driver picks up your car, don’t expect that they know everything or expect them to be title specialists on how to sign or what trust paperwork you need to provide. Do you expect the TSA agents to know how much turbulence you’re going to experience during a flight? No, you don’t ask that because you know they have a certain role and you’re going to ask them to stick to what they know. 

Name variances, just sign/print your name exactly as shown on the title. Even if the DMV messes it up or if you want to put your married name, just do it. You want to get rid of the car, that’s your ultimate goal. The DMV needs to know the person who signed the title is the exact person who is listed on the title, or has some authority to sell the vehicle on behalf of the titled owner(s) —either through death-related docs, a durable Power of Attorney, etc.

Lastly, read the fine print on any applications or any other documents you may need to submit. I know ignoring the terms of service notifications we all get periodically is something that’s socially normal, but don’t let it bleed into other parts in your life where you need to sign something. Usually the fine print on anything you need to submit, like an application, will usually have some additional details that you’ll need to accompany with that the application. Please read them. It’ll save the DMV representative from being upset at you when they have to repeat whatever is said on the documentation you’re in possession. I understand that it’s not intuitive and like I mentioned, the DMV isn’t a magical place that makes sense, but at least try before you submit anything or ask a question.

That’s all I have. If you have any questions on what I’ve written, feel free to ask. I will admit, I know nothing about registration, so you’re going to get some off the wall answers if you ask me that, although I will try my best. 

Take care of yourself and look out for each other.